Two to Four Ministers Including Education and Commerce to Step Down

President Roh Moo-hyun will conduct a small-scale reshuffling of his cabinet by replacing two to four cabinet ministers around December 21 or 22 after the National Assembly approves next year’s budget, according to report yesterday.

During a cabinet meeting at the Blue House on Saturday morning, President Roh said, “There will be no reshuffling under the name of ‘changing atmosphere,’ as the cabinet reshuffling would be minor rather than large-scale in response to practical and realistic demands.” He told the ministers, “I will not compel any cabinet ministers to run in the general elections next April, so do not be agitated and continue to devote yourself to your duties.”

Ministers who are likely to step down are Education and Human Resources Development Minister Yoon Deok-hong and Commerce, Industry and Energy Minister Yoon Jin-sik for performance reasons. Meanwhile, Health and Welfare Minister Kim Hwa-joong, Labor Minister Kwon Ki-hong, and Construction and Transport Minister Choi Jong-chan are also possible to be included among those to be replaced because of their plans to run in the general election.

The Blue House and the prime minister’s office have conducted internal evaluations for all cabinet ministers in preparation for the reshuffling plan. Prime Minister Goh is scheduled to report the results to President Roh and discuss the issue around December 9.

During an interview with Kookmin Ilbo for its commemoration of the foundation, President Roh, however, stressed his intention to retain the core ministers such as Prime Minister Goh Kun, Finance and Economy Minister Kim Jin-pyo, and Justice Minister Kang Kum-sil until the general elections in April of next year.

In the interview, Roh retorted, “It is not easy to form a cabinet in the current (bi-party type of ‘major opposition and minor ruling’) political situation, and why should I run a risk to replace the prime minister?” President Roh affirmed that there would be no change in the prime minister’s post, and Economy Minister Kim and Justice Minister Kang would remain in office, as well.

However, a senior presidential official hinted at a change of ministers by early February next year, saying, “Although there is a minor reshuffling scheduled at the end of this year, those ministers who plan to run for general elections will be replaced one by one until February 15, which is the time limit for resignation from the official position.”

In addition, concerning the reorganization of the presidential office along with the year-end cabinet reshuffling, chief presidential secretary Moon Hee-sang and senior secretary for civil affairs Moon Jae-in are likely to remain in office for the time being. However, there is still a possibility for large-scale reform in the presidential office and the second round of cabinet reshuffling following this year-end reshuffling according to the changing political situation, a high ranking government official said.

Meanwhile, President Roh hinted on his joining the Uri Party during the interview with Kookmin Ilbo, saying, “Whether I put my name in the Uri Party or not at this moment, people consider me as a member of the party. I plan to join the group when the timing is strategically favorable to me.”

Jeong-Hun Kim Young-Hae Choi jnghn@donga.com yhchoi65@donga.com